iPod Weddings - Good Idea or a Recipe for Disaster?
In this article, we are going to discuss the growing phenomenon of couples choosing to use iPods for their special day. We will look at the pro's and cons for those that choose to go down this path and will look at the potential savings that could be made.
Many couples will shop around pricing various DJ options. The prices will range dramatically from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. This of course only serves to generally confuse the potential couple to a point that they decide they can save all their money and headache by just doing it themselves. It's got to be cheaper right? Besides, how hard can it be to queue up a few songs?
Now, here is the hard truth...
First, the in-built sound card of an iPod is far inferior to that used by professional DJ controllers. A professional DJ controller takes the data from the notebook and processes it for a much higher quality sound.
Next, you will have to hire some professional equipment to play the music through. Sure, you could probably hire a cheap set of speakers for a few hundred dollars but they will sound cheap and tinny. Hiring speakers of the same quality that a professional DJ would be using will set you back probably about as much as just hiring the DJ in the first place.
Another thing to consider is lighting. You will want some lighting for dance time. Here is another couple of hundred dollars you will need to find.
Now consider who is going to be in charge of the music? You will need to find a family member or friend to sacrifice their night to operate the iPod. You might think you are just going to set up a playlist and let it run. This never works. You think you know what music will work, but the sad truth is that most people simply don't. Even an experienced DJ will not have a playlist set before the night. Each night is different and the moods of the night change.
What about the quality of the music? Are your files encoded at a high quality bitrate? They might sound fine on a set of headphones, but through sound equipment they might sound terrible. Legality of the files is another issue.
Who is going to set up all the equipment? Who is going to pack it up at the end of the night?
We hope these points have given you some food for thought when it comes to trying to save a few dollars on your wedding by providing the music yourself. In the end, it doesn't end up any cheaper and can in fact completely ruin your night.
Many couples will shop around pricing various DJ options. The prices will range dramatically from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. This of course only serves to generally confuse the potential couple to a point that they decide they can save all their money and headache by just doing it themselves. It's got to be cheaper right? Besides, how hard can it be to queue up a few songs?
Now, here is the hard truth...
First, the in-built sound card of an iPod is far inferior to that used by professional DJ controllers. A professional DJ controller takes the data from the notebook and processes it for a much higher quality sound.
Next, you will have to hire some professional equipment to play the music through. Sure, you could probably hire a cheap set of speakers for a few hundred dollars but they will sound cheap and tinny. Hiring speakers of the same quality that a professional DJ would be using will set you back probably about as much as just hiring the DJ in the first place.
Another thing to consider is lighting. You will want some lighting for dance time. Here is another couple of hundred dollars you will need to find.
Now consider who is going to be in charge of the music? You will need to find a family member or friend to sacrifice their night to operate the iPod. You might think you are just going to set up a playlist and let it run. This never works. You think you know what music will work, but the sad truth is that most people simply don't. Even an experienced DJ will not have a playlist set before the night. Each night is different and the moods of the night change.
What about the quality of the music? Are your files encoded at a high quality bitrate? They might sound fine on a set of headphones, but through sound equipment they might sound terrible. Legality of the files is another issue.
Who is going to set up all the equipment? Who is going to pack it up at the end of the night?
We hope these points have given you some food for thought when it comes to trying to save a few dollars on your wedding by providing the music yourself. In the end, it doesn't end up any cheaper and can in fact completely ruin your night.
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